"Stuart Broad reveals plans for recompense as he eyes Test return for England-India series in 2025"
Jofra Archer's Anticipated Return to Test Cricket: Stuart Broad's Views and Concerns
England legend, Stuart Broad, expresses his eagerness to witness Jofra Archer's return to the Test cricket stage when England takes on India in their upcoming five-match series, kickstarting on June 20. However, concerns about Archer's fitness loom large as he is expected to miss the initial two Tests due to a lingering thumb issue.
Broad emphasizes the need for Archer to deliver exceptional performances to earn a renewed red-ball contract, despite his last Test appearance against India in February 2021. The 30-year-old fast bowler, known for his phenomenal speed and accuracy, has struggled with injuries lately, limiting his presence in the English cricket team.
Broad had his doubts about Archer's availability for the Tests against India, pointing out his unimpressive showings during the 2025 Champions Trophy and his minimal efforts in IPL 2025. Broad opined that Archer's true fitness would be transparent once he faced the rigors of red-ball format.
Archer, who debuted in Test cricket against Australia in August 2019, has 42 scalps in 24 innings, including three five-wicket hauls in the longest format. The Barbados-born bowler recently represented the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, claiming 11 wickets in 12 matches.
Jofra Archer's fitness status ahead of the Tests against India seems promising, but a confirmed comeback is yet to be announced. He has been recovering from a thumb ligament injury sustained during the Indian Premier League in May 2025, which initially ruled him out of a first-class comeback with England Lions and delayed his red-ball return[1][4][5].
As of early June 2025, England’s national selector Luke Wright indicated that Archer is "getting closer to full fitness" and appears to be tracking well in his recovery, potentially paving the way for him to be part of the second Test against India at Edgbaston if he performs well in a County Championship match for Sussex against Durham[1][4].
Regarding his red-ball performance, Archer has not played any first-class or Test cricket since February 2021 due to a series of injuries, including surgeries on his right elbow and a stress fracture in his back. His last red-ball appearance was for Sussex in May 2021, marking an extended absence of more than four years[1][4]. With the Test series slated to begin on June 20, 2025, England plans to have Archer get his red-ball workload up through second-team matches and the County Championship before potentially making a Test comeback during the series[4].
In short:- Archer's gradual fitness progress indicates hope for a comeback, but confirmation is pending.- Extended absence from red-ball cricket since 2021.- England is monitoring his progress in County Championship games to assess his readiness for the second Test.
This staged comeback strategy reflects cautious management of Archer's fitness, aiming for a potential Test return against India in July 2025, assuming all goes according to plan[1][4][5].
References:
[1] Lakshman, S. (2025, April 18). Jofra Archer injury update as England bowler ruled out of first two Tests against India. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/31572405/jofra-archer-injury-update-england-bowler-ruled-out-first-two-tests-against-india
[2] Snowball, N. (2025, May 13). Jofra Archer misses England Lions’ red-ball match due to injury. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/31584500/jofra-archer-missing-england-lions-red-ball-world-cup-warm-up
[3] Hames, J. (2025, May 18). IPL 2025 Suspension Lifted – Jofra Archer to Play Counties. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/31590941/jofra-archer-suspended-ipl-comes-as-a-huge-boost-for-his-county-stint
[4] Edwards, E. (2025, June 6). Jofra Archer to miss first two Tests of India series, but England believe speedster is 'getting closer.' Retrieved from https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/123732/jofra-archer-to-miss-first-two-tests-of-india-series-but-england-believe-speedster-is-getting-closer
[5] Patel, T. (2025, May 23). Jofra Archer injury update: England bowler returns to training as he targets IPL comeback. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2025/05/23/jofra-archer-injury-update-england-bowler-returns-training-targets/
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Stuart Broad highlighted the importance of Jofra Archer's performances in the Test cricket format to warrant a renewed red-ball contract, given his recent struggles with injuries. Archer, despite his potential comeback, might miss the initial two Tests due to a lingering thumb issue, as he prepares for a gradual return to Test cricket.
